A key fundamental skill in darts is the ability to rapidly calculate and select the best way to finish on a winning double.

Before you learn your outs, you should study the following:

Strategy Discussion:
The options on 14, 17, 21 and 25 are provided to allow you to think about dart strategy early in your development.

The out for 14 is D7; however, sometimes it may be safer (if you have a good lead) to aim for the 6 / 10 wedge and leave yourself with either 8 (D4) or 4 (D2).

With 17, the throw is usually S1, D8. However, you could throw for a S13, leaving you with 4 (D2). The only advantage of this option is a single on either side still allows another single throw to set up an out. A missed throw on either side of S1 busts you immediately.

With 21, you could throw S13 leaving you with 8 (D4). A missed throw on either side will not bust.

With 25 remaining, aim for the S17. If you miss to the left and hit a S3, you still have an out.

Think about the various options, but for the most part, however, when you reach 40 or below, just throw it out.

Strategy Discussion:
In Phase 3, your goal is to finish the game with one set of darts (2 or 3 perfect darts). This phase is extremely important. You can win a lot of games when you are able to comfortably throw your best darts from 110 down to 61 outs.

The primary goal is to throw a Triple Quick Finish and win. A secondary goal is to set yourself up with a focus out-shot of 32 (D16) or 40 (D20) if you are unable to win the game with a Triple Quick Finish.

Again, there are many options than the ones presented in Phase 3. The options on 63, 64, 66, 72, 77, 80, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95 and 108 are provided to develop your thought process concerning counting strategy and its variations.

With 63 remaining, you could choose to throw T17, D6 (51/12). If you hit a S17, you have 46 left. Such a remainder permits a throw at the 6 / 10 wedge explained in Phase 2. Another choice is T15, D9 (45/18). Again, a S15 leaves 48. This gives you a chance for the 8 / 16 wedge.

For 64 remaining, the best set-up is T16 / T8 wedge. Any triple in this wedge gives you an excellent out. T16 leaves 16 (D8); T8 leaves 40 (D20). A S16 leaves the preferred 48 for the 8 / 16 wedge again. A S8 leaves 56, permitting another throw at the S16 for 40 left (D20).

With 66 remaining, you could choose to throw T10, D18 (30/36).

With 72 left, you could choose to throw T12, D18 (36/36).

With 77 remaining, you could choose to throw T15, D16 (45/32).

With 80 remaining, you should throw T20, D10 (60/20). A S20 leaves 60. Another S20 leaves 40 out (D20).

Think about throwing DB on the numbers 90, 91, 92, 93, 94 and 95. A miss with the above numbers gives you a set up with a DB finish – 90 (S25-S15-DB), 91 (S25-S16-DB), 92 (S25-S17-DB), 93 (S25-S18-DB), 94 (S25-S19-DB) and 95 (S25-S20-DB). These shots make for real dart excitement. You may not hit these, but it is grand fun trying. In addition, this approach will become more strategic when you reach higher levels of competition.

With 108 remaining, you could choose to throw T19, S19, D16 (57/19/32). One advantage with this shot is that all the numbers are in the same quadrant or lower left side of the board.

Strategy Discussion:
In Phase 4, Show-Outs, your goal is to finish with spectacular outs to create the most excitement for players and spectators. You must approach this phase with maximum confidence and concentration. Knowing what numbers t hit frees your mind of unnecessary doubts or worries. Throwing at the right numbers and combination of numbers gives you the best chance of winning. You also keep your opponent from developing any extra confidence as you enter the finals steps of the game.

There are many more options than the ones presented in Phase 4. The options on 132, 135, 137, 148 and 158 are provided to encourage thinking about counting strategy and variation. With 132 left and your opponent in an out position, you should throw the first dart at the Bull. If you hit a DB, you have 82 left – T14, D20 (42/40). If you hit a SB, you have 107 left – T19, DB (57/50). With 135, follow the same strategy. Go for the Bull on the first dart. A SB leaves a 2-dart finish of 110 – T20, DB (60/50). These set ups send a clear message that you are playing to win.

Phase 4 strategy is extremely important to developing a winning attitude in darts. Your mental set is more attuned to the game when you have a specific strategy. You should start counting when you reach 230. In the early stages of developing your game, try to leave Show-Out finishes – 170, 167, 164, 161 and 160 – and do not leave no-outs of 169, 168, 166, 165, 163, 162 and 159. This approach lets you practice anticipating and focusing on each throw.

As you approach the Show-Out finishes, follow this strategy:
Leave 170 remaining and not 169 or 168
Leave 167 remaining and not 166 or 165
Leave 164 remaining and not 163 or 162
Leave 161 remaining and not 162 or 159

With 230 left, a score of 60 leaves 170. With 229 left, a score of 60 leaves a no-out score of 169. So, if you hit 2 S20, your last dart should be T19. If you hit a S19, then you have a set up of 170. This strategy is very important as you reach higher levels of competition.

Counting and the counting strategy is a fundamental and technical skill.